CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Delegate Geno Chiarelli, R, Monongalia, 78, is the lead sponsor of House Bill 2382 that would ban camping in municipal areas.
The bill by Chiarelli, Vice Chairman of the House Public Health Committee, makes camping on municipal property a misdemeanor. A first offense is punishable by a fine of up to $100, 30 days in jail, and the offender could be financially responsible for the removal.
During his 2024 re-election campaign, Chiarelli said he wanted to focus on quality of life issues.
“I really want to focus on the quality of life in Morgantown. I truly want to make this a better place to live for everybody: cleaner streets, safer communities, a better Morgantown. That’s been my message, and I stuck to it,” Chiarelli told WAJR.
Each day the violation continues is considered a separate offense, and a third conviction within 12 months of the first could result in a $500 fine and/or 30 days in jail.
There is no criminal sanction if the person is offered and accepts shelter in the community.